CH712115A2 - Wristwatch whose bracelet can be removed without tools. - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a wristwatch (1) comprising a middle part (4) having a side wall (24), defining a middle plane and comprising fastening members to make integral with the middle part (4) of the first and second ends (32) respective of a bracelet, a cover (26) pivotable with reference to the middle part (4) between a first closed position, in which the ends (32) of the bracelet are locked on the middle part (4), and a second, open position, in which the ends (32) of the bracelet are free to be separated from the middle part (4), the cover (26) being arranged to pivot along an axis of rotation parallel to the mean plane. The wristwatch can for example be worn by presenting one or the other of its faces, or present itself as a pocket watch or a table watch without this affecting its appearance.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates to a wristwatch having a middle having a side wall, joining first and second faces of the middle part defining between them a mean plane, and comprising first and second attachment members of a strap diametrically opposed, to make integral with the middle of the first and second respective ends of a bracelet, a cover arranged to be able to cover at least partially one of the first and second faces while being pivotable with reference to the middle part between a first, closed position, in which the ends of the bracelet are locked on the middle part, and a second, open position, in which the ends of the bracelet are free to be separated from the middle part.

More specifically, the present invention relates to such a type of wristwatch in which the bracelet can be removed from the box without requiring the use of tools.

By cover, within the meaning of the invention, it is necessary to understand an element that can cover all or part of a face of the middle part, that is to say that it can present in particular the shape of a solid bottom, possibly with a window, or, alternatively, a telescope that can be considered as a bottom whose center is hollowed out. In the case of a telescope, it can be provided that it carries a glass or that it is open at its center without departing from the scope of the present invention.

STATE OF THE ART [0004] Many timepieces meeting the above characteristics have already been disclosed in the prior art, in particular wristwatches whose case has identical strap fasteners on each side.

Patent CH 698 787 B1 provides an example of a wristwatch meeting the characteristics shown above, wherein the middle has two pairs of horns to ensure the attachment of the bracelet. A support is furthermore arranged between each pair of horns, each of the supports carrying two fastening lugs of the bracelet. Furthermore, this wristwatch comprises a rotating bezel with two ears that can be positioned each opposite one of the supports to lock the bracelet or being offset from the supports to release the bracelet. With these features, the bracelet can be changed easily and without the need to use a tool.

However, this wristwatch has a disadvantage related to the fact that the bracelet change must preferably be performed on a stable surface, such as a table for example, to be able to remove the bezel and ask without risk of falling during that the old bracelet is extracted and that the new bracelet is put in place by being engaged on the tenons.

Furthermore, the present invention relates to a wristwatch of the type mentioned above in which the middle part can have any of its two faces to the user in the service position.

The wristwatch of the prior art which has just been described is not of the reversible type, that is to say that its middle has a single face of use intended to be visible to the wearer when it is worn, the other side of the middle part being intended to be positioned against the wrist of the wearer.

Disclosure of the invention [0009] A main object of the present invention is to propose a wristwatch of alternative construction to the known constructions of the prior art which, not only, can have its bracelet easily replaced but which can also be worn. presenting indifferently one or the other of the faces of its middle to the bearer without that affecting its appearance and which, in addition, can be used other than as a wristwatch without this also affecting its appearance.

For this purpose, the present invention relates more particularly to a wristwatch of the type mentioned above, characterized in that the cover is arranged to pivot about an axis of rotation substantially parallel to the middle plane of the middle part, and that each of the first and second attachment members comprises a hole in the side wall of the middle part and intended to receive the corresponding end of the bracelet by insertion in a direction substantially parallel to the mean plane.

Thanks to these characteristics, the bracelet of the wristwatch according to the present invention can be changed very easily since a simple pivoting of the cover allows to release it, which can be achieved by holding the watch in a hand while manipulating it with the other hand. In addition, once the lid is positioned in its open position, it remains attached to the box and will not fall during the handling of the bracelet.

Furthermore, the nature and implementation of the strap fastening members formed on the middle are such that the latter can be returned to present indifferently one or the other of its faces to the wearer in the service position . This advantage can be optimized by providing, in a preferred embodiment, that the holes of the middle part are formed substantially in the middle plane to allow indifferent use of the first face or the second face in the operating position.

Finally, the nature and implantation of the strap fastening members provided on the middle part also make it possible to use the wristwatch according to the present invention in other configurations than as a wristwatch, without that it detracts from its appearance, that is to say as a table watch or pocket watch in relation to a suitable chain.

Advantageously, the wristwatch according to the present invention comprises first and second integral inserts of the bracelet, to define the first and second ends, and each of which carries a male fastener for insertion into the hole of the corresponding middle to make the first and second ends of the bracelet integral with the middle part.

With these features, the middle part can have a clean shape and appearance that is particularly suitable for use of the watch in different configurations without affecting its appearance.

Furthermore, it can be provided that each of the first and second attachment members of the middle part comprises a movable latch between a locking position associated with the closed position of the cover and in which it acts on the corresponding end. strap to lock it, and a neutral position, associated with the open position of the cover and in which it releases the corresponding end of the bracelet, the cover having first and second actuating members arranged to cooperate with the locks and position them in their locking position in the closed position of the lid.

With these characteristics, the manufacturer has greater flexibility to achieve the mechanism ensuring the locking of the bracelet and to isolate the lid of the locking mechanism from the point of view of the mechanical stresses that could exert the bracelet on the box of the watch.

Advantageously, each of the first and second attachment members also comprises an elastic member arranged to act on the corresponding lock and tend to position it in its neutral position.

According to a preferred embodiment, it can be provided that each of the latches comprises a slider arranged to cooperate, on the one hand, with the corresponding actuating member of the cover and, on the other hand, with the member elastic, and to act on a movable pin arranged to lock the corresponding end of the bracelet in the closed position of the lid.

With these additional features, the manufacturer has a greater freedom to ensure optimal reliability of the bracelet locking mechanism while limiting congestion.

In this case, it may be advantageous to provide that each of the male fastener members has a recess arranged to cooperate with the corresponding pin in the closed position of the cover.

In general, it can be provided that each of the inserts of the bracelet comprises two horns to ensure its mechanical connection to the bracelet.

Alternatively, it can be provided that at least one of the inserts comprises a bail to ensure its mechanical connection to the bracelet.

In general, it can preferably provide that the cover is mechanically connected to the middle through a hinge and that one of the actuators is adjacent to the hinge.

With these features, it can be ensured that a first end of the bracelet is released at first, after pivoting of the lid at a first limited angle, the second end of the bracelet being released only in a second time, after pivoting the lid at a second angle greater than the first. Thus, the manipulation of the wristwatch during the release of the bracelet is very simple since the user must handle only one end of the bracelet at a time.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, each of the fastening members of the middle part comprises an additional hole formed in the side wall of the middle part, each of the male fastening members comprising two studs intended to be inserted. in the corresponding holes of the middle to ensure the connection of the bracelet to the middle part.

In this case, it may be advantageous to provide that each of the inserts comprises a plate carrying the pins and that the side wall of the middle part has two recesses formed around the holes and each of which is adapted to accommodate at least partially the one of the pads when the bracelet is assembled to the middle part.

Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment, it can be provided that the wristwatch comprises a cover locking device arranged to lock in at least one preferred open angular position, with reference to the middle part, in such a way that the lid can define a support for using the wristwatch as a table watch when the bracelet is clear of the caseband.

In general, the wristwatch preferably comprises a locking member arranged to ensure the stability of the closed position of the lid against the middle part.

The present invention also relates to an assembly comprising a wristwatch meeting the above characteristics and a chain carrying an insert comprising a male fastener adapted to be inserted into one of the holes of the middle part to make the string integral with the middle and allow the use of the wristwatch as a pocket watch when the bracelet is clear of the caseband.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0031] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading the detailed description of a preferred embodiment which follows, with reference to the accompanying drawings given as non-limiting examples. in which: FIGS. 1 to 11 show different general views in simplified perspective of a wristwatch according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in different configurations; fig. 12 is a simplified perspective view of a construction detail of the timepiece of FIGS. 1 to 11, in a first configuration; fig. 13 is a simplified perspective view of the constructional detail of FIG. 12, in a second configuration, and FIG. 14 is a simplified perspective view of the constructional detail of FIG. 12, in a third configuration.

Embodiment (s) of the invention [0032] Figs. 1 to 11 show various general views in simplified perspective of a wristwatch 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in different configurations. More specifically, the wristwatch 1 can be used as a wristwatch by being associated with a bracelet, such as a pocket watch or as a table watch. Moreover, the wristwatch 1 is preferably of the reversible type, that is to say that it can indifferently present one or the other of its faces to the wearer.

For this purpose, as is apparent in particular in Figs. 1 and 2, the wristwatch 1 comprises a box 2 comprising a middle 4 carrying a first ice 6, and a bottom 8 carrying a second ice 10.

In known manner and without affecting the implementation of the present invention, the middle 4 is arranged to house a watch movement 12 for allowing the display of time information. A ring 14 is also provided, in a conventional manner in particular to allow a time setting. The crown 14 can be arranged anywhere in the wristwatch without affecting the implementation of the present invention. For example, it could especially be retractable in a hole adapted to the middle 4 without departing from the scope of the invention.

The wristwatch 1 also comprises two pairs of horns 16 each of which here carries a bar (not visible) for fixing a strand 18 of the bracelet. One strand carries a buckle-pin 20 while the other strand has perforations 22 for cooperating with the barb, in a known manner.

Of course, the skilled person will not encounter any particular difficulty to adapt these elements according to his own needs. At least one strand 18 of the bracelet may alternatively be secured to the middle 4 by means of a bail for example. Similarly, the bracelet may alternatively comprise only one extensible strand, or two strands associated with a clasp type folding clasp, without departing from the scope of the invention. The use of a bracelet with links, for example metal, is also possible without departing from the scope of the invention.

The box 2 is here of round shape, by way of non-limiting illustration, and the middle part 4 therefore has an annular shape. More specifically, the caseband 4 comprises a cylindrical side wall 24, joining first and second faces associated here respectively with the windows 6 and 10 for the sake of simplifying the presentation.

For the purposes of the presentation, an average plane of the caseband 4 is defined between its first and second faces while being substantially parallel thereto and passing substantially through the center of the ring 14.

Advantageously but not required for the implementation of the present invention, the elements of the watch movement 12 which are visible respectively by the first face and the second face are different, as is apparent from a comparative examination of fig. 1 and 2.

Note that a cover 26, here having the shape of a bezel, is arranged on the second side of the middle part 4, as shown in FIG. 2. The lid 26 is secured to the middle part 4 by means of a hinge 28 arranged at six hours for non-limiting illustration. The hinge 28 defines an axis of rotation of the cover 26 substantially parallel to the mean plane of the middle part 4.

The function of the lid 26 will be exposed later, in connection with FIGS. 3 to 11.

The lid 26 is provided with two screws 30, adjacent to each other and diametrically opposed to the implantation of the hinge 28, so that a user can exert a pull on the screws 30 to clear the lid 26 of its closed position, as illustrated in FIG. 2, and rotate it with reference to the middle 4, as shown in Figs. 3 and 4.

The lid 26 is arranged to cooperate with a locking mechanism of the bracelet.

More specifically, fasteners are provided in the middle part 4 as will be explained later.

When the lid 26 is disengaged from its closed position, it releases a first strand 18 of the bracelet located at noon, that is to say the bracelet strand farthest from the implantation of the hinge 28.

This strand 18 of the bracelet can then be removed from the middle 4 as shown in FIG. 4.

It is noted in FIG. 4 that each strand 18 of the bracelet carries an insert 32 defining an end of the bracelet. Each insert 32 comprises a plate 34 carrying two pins 36 intended to fulfill the role of male fasteners for locking the insert 32 on the middle part 4 as will be explained later. The plate 34 here has a curved shape, illustratively non-limiting, to match the shape of the middle part 4. Of course, the shape of the wafer can be adapted to that of the middle part 4 without departing from the scope of the invention.

Moreover, the horns 16 are also integral with the wafer 34.

It is also seen in FIG. 4 that the middle 4 advantageously comprises optional recesses 38 (only one of which is visible in FIG 4) adapted to accommodate at least partially the plates 34, when the bracelet is assembled to the box 2, so that the structure of the assembly is invisible to the wearer of the wristwatch 1.

When the cover 26 is driven to pivot further, to an open position illustrated in FIG. 5, corresponding here substantially at an angle of 90 degrees, it releases the second strand 18 of the bracelet which can then also be released from the middle part 4.

The lid 26 may advantageously be brought back to an intermediate position, as illustrated in FIG. 6, here with an angle of the order of 60 degrees with reference to the middle plane of the caseband 4.

The wristwatch 1 can then be used as a table watch, the cover 26 by defining a support.

Note that the removal of the bracelet is advantageously performed simultaneously with the removal of the horns 16, which implies that the transformation of the wristwatch 1 of its configuration as a wristwatch to its configuration as a table watch is performed without harming to his appearance.

The box 2 according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention preferably comprises a locking device (not shown) of the cover 26 in a preferred intermediate position with reference to the middle 4. This locking device allows to define an angle between the cover and the middle part particularly adapted to use the wristwatch 1 as a table watch.

This locking device may comprise at least one male locking member and at least one female locking member, arranged to cooperate with each other in the preferred angular position, one being integral with the middle part and the other being secured to the lid.

More specifically, the locking member, which is integral with the lid, can carry two ball pawls disposed opposite one another and constituting male locking members. Furthermore, the caseband may carry a positioning element having two holes intended to cooperate with the ball pawls to form female members of the additional locking device.

Of course, it is possible to provide a low friction between the two parts of the hinge 28, alternatively or in addition, to ensure the stability of any open position of the cover 26 relative to the middle part 4. However, the implementation of a locking device as described above, while limiting as much as possible the friction between the two parts of the hinge, increases the level of perceived quality of the corresponding timepiece.

Starting from the configuration illustrated in FIG. 6, it is possible to provide the assembly of a chain 40 to the middle 4, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, to allow the use of the wristwatch 1 as a pocket watch.

In this case, the chain 40 is advantageously provided with an insert 42 defining its end intended to cooperate with the middle part 4.

The insert 42 has a plate 34 carrying two pins 36, similar to those of the inserts 32, the plate 34 here also bearing a ring 45 for attachment to the chain 40.

Once the insert 42 is placed against the middle part 4, the cover 26 can be returned to its closed position to ensure the locking of the insert 42 and thus the assembly of the chain 40 to the middle part 4, to allow the use of the wristwatch 1 as a pocket watch, as illustrated in FIG. 8.

Starting from the configuration illustrated in FIG. 5, the box 2 can be rotated 180 degrees, as shown schematically in FIG. 9 to present to the wearer the second face of the middle part, as illustrated in FIG. 10.

In this configuration, the lid 26 is then positioned at the sight of the wearer.

Strand 18 of the bracelet located on the right in FIG. 10 can be inserted in the middle 4 at first, before the cover 26 is pivoted towards the middle 4 to ensure the locking of the first strand 18 bracelet.

The second strand 18 of the bracelet can then be inserted into the middle 4 before the cover 26 is placed in its closed position to ensure locking, in a second time.

The configuration illustrated in FIG. 11 on which it is found that the second face of the caseband 4 is well disposed to the wearer of the wristwatch 1. The hinge 28, of very discreet appearance, is visible on the second face of the caseband 4 but in being arranged this time at noon, the targets 30 now being located at six o'clock.

It follows that the box 2 can be returned very easily, with reference to the bracelet, to present one or other of the two sides of the middle 4 to the wearer in the service position, making the wristwatch 1 reversible watch handling extremely easy.

Of course, if the manipulation shown schematically in FIG. 9 corresponds to a rotation of the caseband 4 along an axis of rotation passing through the three o'clock and nine o'clock positions, it is also possible to pivot about an axis of rotation passing through the six o'clock and noon positions without leaving the frame. of the present invention, the ring 14 then passing from the three o'clock position to the nine o'clock position.

Figs. 12 to 14 show simplified perspective views of a construction detail of the wristwatch 1, in respective first, second and third configurations.

More specifically, part of the middle part 4 has been omitted in FIGS. 12 to 14 to make visible the locking mechanisms of the bracelet, in particular the strap attachment members housed in the middle part 4.

Each of the fastening members of the caseband 4 comprises two holes 44, formed in the middle part 4 at six o'clock and at noon (partially visible in FIGS. 5, 7, 9 and 10), opening, of a part, in the side wall 24 of the caseband 4 and, secondly, facing locks housed in the caseband 4.

Each of the holes 44 is intended to cooperate with one of the studs 36, by insertion of the latter into the corresponding hole 44 in a direction substantially parallel to the mean plane of the middle part 4, so that the stud 36 cooperates then with the corresponding lock.

Each latch comprises a slider 46 arranged in the middle part 4 so that it is slidable in a direction perpendicular to the middle plane of the middle part 4, on the one hand, under the effect of the action of an elastic member 48, implemented by way of nonlimiting illustration in the form of a pair of helical springs, and on the other hand, under the effect of the counteracting action of an actuating member 50 carried by the cover 26 and here having the shape of a pad.

In the configuration illustrated in FIG. 12, the cover 26 is closed and its two actuating members 50 act on the sliders 46 to oppose the action of the elastic members 48 and push the sliders 46 away from the cover 26.

When the lid 26 is released from its closed position, as shown in FIG. 13, one of the actuating members 50 (that diametrically opposite the hinge 28) releases the corresponding slider 46 and allows it to slide towards the cover 26 under the action of its elastic member 48.

When the lid 26 pivots further to its open position, as illustrated in FIG. 14, its other actuating member 50 releases the corresponding slider 46 which can also slide towards the cover 26 under the action of its elastic member 48.

[0077] It also appears from FIGS. 12 to 14 that each slide 46 is provided with a through hole 52 in which is engaged a pin 54 which, therefore, moves in the same direction as the slide 46 in which it is engaged.

The ends of each of the pins 54 are located on either side of the slider 46 corresponding to cooperate with a recess 56 adapted formed in each of the pins 36.

It can be seen that when a latch (or the corresponding slider) is in its locking position (FIG 12), the corresponding pin 54 is engaged in the recesses 56 of the pins to which it is associated and thus ensures the locking of the latch. Strand 18 of matching bracelet (or chain, if any).

On the other hand, it can be seen that when a latch (or the corresponding slider) is in its neutral position (FIG 14), the corresponding pin 54 is disengaged from the recesses 56 of the pins to which it is associated, thus ensuring the release of the strand 18 of corresponding bracelet (or the chain, if any).

Claims (17)

With this construction, we obtain a locking mechanism of the bracelet both easy to operate, reliable, robust and compact. The foregoing description attempts to describe a particular embodiment by way of non-limiting illustration and, the invention is not limited to the implementation of certain particular features which have just been described, as for example the forms specifically illustrated and described for the box 2, the locking devices of the lid, or the inserts 32 and 42. Indeed, the skilled person will not encounter any particular difficulty to adapt the content of the present disclosure to his own needs and implement a wristwatch whose construction incorporates the features of the invention without necessarily implement, for example, two pins 36 to ensure the retention of the bracelet in the box or two targettes to release the lid 26 from its closed position. Of course, even if such a solution is less reliable than that which has been described, it is possible to implement a single bolt or other equivalent device for acting on the cover 26 to release it from its closed position, without depart from the scope of the present invention. It is also possible to use only one stud, which in this case would have a shape that does not have symmetry of revolution to avoid any rotation of the bracelet strand with reference to the middle part 4. The structure of the latch would be adapted accordingly. Note that if the holes 44 of the middle 4 are advantageously located substantially in the middle plane of the caseband 4 for reasons of symmetry when the box is returned, such a feature is not absolutely required for the implementation. of the present invention. Furthermore, it will also be noted that the box 2 preferably comprises a locking member (not shown) arranged to guarantee the stability of the closed position of the lid 26 against the caseband 4. [0087] It will be recalled that, advantageously , the passage of any configuration of the timepiece according to the present invention to another configuration can be performed very simply and without the use of a tool. claims 1. Wristwatch (1) having a middle part (4) having a side wall (24), joining first and second faces of said middle part (4) defining between them a mean plane, and comprising first and second bodies of attaching a diametrically opposed bracelet, to make integral with said middle (4) of the respective first and second ends (32) of a bracelet, a cover (26) arranged to cover at least partially one of said first and second faces while being pivotable with reference to said middle part (4) between a first, closed position, in which said ends (32) of the bracelet are locked on said middle (4), and a second, open position, in which said ends (32) of the bracelet are free to be separated from said middle part (4), characterized in that said cover (26) is arranged to pivot about a substantially parallel axis of rotation this average plan. 2. Wristwatch (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that each of said first and second attachment members comprises a hole (44) formed in said side wall (24) of said middle part (4) and intended to receive the end (32) corresponding to the bracelet by insertion in a direction substantially parallel to said mean plane. 3. Wristwatch (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that it comprises first and second inserts integral bracelet, to define said first and second ends (32), each of which carries a fastener male intended to be inserted into said hole (44) of said middle (4) corresponding to make said first and second ends (32) of the bracelet integral with said middle part (4). 4. wristwatch (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that each of said first and second attachment members of said middle part (4) comprises a latch movable between a locking position, associated with said closed position of said cover ( 26) and in which it acts on the corresponding end (32) of the bracelet to lock it, and a neutral position, associated with said open position of said cover (26) and in which it releases the corresponding end (32) of the bracelet said cover (26) having first and second actuators (50) arranged to cooperate with said latches and position them in their locking position in said closed position of said cover (26). 5. wristwatch (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that each of said first and second attachment members also comprises a resilient member (48) arranged to act on said corresponding latch and tend to position it in its neutral position . 6. Wristwatch (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that each of said locks comprises a slide (46) arranged to cooperate, on the one hand, with the corresponding actuating member (50) of said cover (26). ) and, secondly, with said elastic member (48), and to act on a pin (54) movable arranged to lock the corresponding end (32) of the bracelet in said closed position of said lid (26). 7. Wristwatch (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that each of said male fastener members has a recess (56) arranged to cooperate with said pin (54) corresponding in said closed position of said cover (26). 8. Wristwatch (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that each of said inserts comprises two horns (16) to ensure its mechanical connection to the bracelet. 9. Wristwatch (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that at least one of said inserts comprises a bail to ensure its mechanical connection to the bracelet. 10. Wristwatch (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 9, characterized in that said cover (26) is mechanically connected to said middle part (4) by means of a hinge (28) and one of said actuators (50) is adjacent to said hinge (28). 11. wristwatch (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 10, characterized in that each of said fasteners of said middle part (4) comprises an additional hole (44) formed in said side wall (24). of said middle part (4) and in that each of said male fastening members comprises two studs (36) intended to be inserted into the corresponding holes (44) of said middle part (4) to ensure connection of the bracelet to said middle part ( 4). 12. Wristwatch (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that each of said inserts comprises a plate (34) carrying said studs (36) and in that said side wall (24) of said middle part (4) has two recesses (38) formed around said holes (44) and each of which is adapted to at least partially accommodate one of said plates (34) when the bracelet is assembled to said middle part (4). 13. Wristwatch (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a locking device of said cover (26) arranged to lock in at least one preferred open angular position, with reference to said middle part (4), such that said cover (26) can define a support for using the wristwatch (1) as a table watch when the bracelet is released from said middle part (4). 14. wristwatch (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a locking member arranged to ensure the stability of the closed position of said cover (26) against said middle part (4). 15. Wristwatch (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said cover (26) has the shape of a bezel. 16. Wristwatch (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 15, characterized in that said holes (44) of said middle part (4) are formed substantially in said middle plane to allow indifferent use of said first face or said second face in the service position. 17. A set comprising a wristwatch (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 16 and a chain (40) carrying an insert (42) comprising a male fastener adapted to be inserted into one of said holes (44) of said middle (4) to make said chain (40) integral with said middle part (4) and to allow the use of the wristwatch (1) as a pocket watch when the bracelet is released from said middle part (4) ).